And as the holidays are approaching, Fernandes also has a great deal of Christmas decorations out—maybe even too many, she says. This year, as her store's name might suggest, marine-oriented ornaments have been big sellers, she says.

"This year, it's been mermaids and nautical ornaments — and flying pigs, actually, which have just sold out," Fernandes says. "We have tons of angels, which are popular now but also really sell year-round."

As for holiday shopping, she says: "We have gifts for anybody on your list."

With a background in horticulture, this is the eleventh year for Fernandes at the store.

"I've been in retail for eons, and I've worked in big business and in small, family business," says Fernandes. "So I combine both of them here."

Her merchandise ranges, she says, from New Age to Victorian styles

She carries unique jewelry to garden decorations, and décor ranging from birdbaths to Buddhas. There are New Age crystals and minerals, a big seller, and plenty of sea-themed decorative items, mermaids, and fairies for in- and outdoors.

Perhaps the best part about her store, according to Fernandes: it's not like some places, she says, that are almost painful to exit because of spending too much money on something you can find just anywhere.

"People will feel good when they leave, and that's important," she says. "Parting with money, but feeling good about it because you didn't waste it — that makes a difference."

She tries to lend a personal touch to her shop, and not let customers leave without making sure they're satisfied — something she says too few businesses try to do these days. And she has a little advice for others considering a similar venture.

"It's not easy," warns Fernandes. "If you're going to get into this sort of thing, be prepared to give it your all. Nobody's going to feed the baby like you do."

Overall, she says her philosophy has helped.

"I notice it with return customers," she says. "It's a good feeling when people from out of town come in and remember you, because they come to visit family in the area and want to make sure they stop in."

The Sea Witch also offers monthly specials, and emails its customer list just 5 times a year — just enough to promote a few major deals, instead of being a nuisance to customers, Fernandes says.

The store is located at 36 Main St. in Fairhaven, and the Sea Witch's holiday hours (until Dec. 24) are: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. After Christmas, the store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Call the Sea Witch at 508-996-3126 or visit online at www.theseawitchgifts.com.